Morgan County Industrial Park Expansion

Morgan County, Tennessee

The Morgan County Industrial Board is expanding its industrial park located at the intersection of Tennessee State Route 62 and Flat Fork Road about two miles east of Wartburg. The expansion provides additional sites for industries, resulting in increased employment opportunities in the county. Morgan County is economically depressed, with one of the highest unemployment rates in the region and limited jobs for its residents.

To assist with the expansion, TVA has decided to administer an already-approved Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant of $360,520. The grant will provide construction funds for a new access road and sewer line, grading, and improved drainage.

Because the grading done as a result of the ARC grant will fill wetlands and an intermittent stream, an individual Department of the Army Permit for the fill is required under section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Prior to issuing the permit, the United States Army Corps of Engineers issued a final environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) evaluating the impact of the fill.

As additional mitigation to improve habitat for fish and aquatic life, the contractor agreed to place 10 log drop structures equally spaced along 1,683 feet of Flat Fork adjacent to the industrial park. This activity requires approval from TVA under Section 26a of the TVA Act.

Based on its independent review, TVA has adopted the Corps of Engineers’ EA as its review of the impacts of administering the ARC grant. In addition, TVA has evaluated the impacts of the habitat improvement project to place the log drop structures. TVA has issued a FONSI covering both of its actions.